Make reading fun

What is the right amount of time to have a first grader reading each day in summer time? His teacher told us he is a little behind. We want him to be alright, but I feel I may be pushing him too much. He is really resisting any reading at all and we are struggling.

You are doing the right thing in seeking help in finding the right balance for a child this age. As a first grade teacher, I know the type of child you are describing. Your son will be fine, but there are some things to add into his summer days that might help ease him into reading.

First, a child should be reading for at least 20 minutes a day. For a child going into second grade, this should be time for him to read to himself. I would break it into 10 minutes at a time for a reluctant reader. There should also be time spent in the day with you reading to him for another 20 to 30 minutes. This probably sounds like a lot, especially if he is stressing, but putting reading into his day, every day, is what he needs.

Look at your whole day. Could you read him a story after breakfast? Do you get out and play a lot and plan fun excursions before you ask him to read? You do not want to make an active child sit and read when it is so fun and hot outside. Kids love summer for a reason. Playing should be first, but you can read to him as the day begins.

Later, after lunch, could you both go find some funny place in the house to read? You could set a timer and both of you could read your books quietly for just 10 minutes. This can happen again after dinner. Find places like under the bed, or under the kitchen table, or in the pool, or even at the park, or in the laundry room. Be silly, and read a little while you are there. If you read something at the same time, it might help him.

At bedtime, let your child choose two books for you and maybe two books for daddy to read to him. It is best to have different adults read at home if that is possible. It extends bedtime a little, so kids will usually go for the reading, and he relaxes while you read things he is choosing. You can also let him keep the lights on at bedtime for another 10-20 minutes if he reads quietly too.

Now, one last thing to think about, but I don't want to scare you. Can your little guy read? If he is struggling in first grade, this is the year to consider retention. This word almost stops some parents completely from listening to anything coming next. Try not to let it stop you. Kids that are immature and perhaps cannot read fluently and comfortably for this reason do really well with another year of first grade fundamentals. If we push young learners too hard before they are developmentally ready to do the amount we are asking them, they think school is too hard. This is a terrible lesson to learn so young. Keep school positive. Make reading fun. But if he needs the gift of a little more time, consider giving it to him.